5 Clever Kitchen Storage Ideas

Clever kitchen storage ideasWhen it comes to kitchen storage solutions, we tend to want the most bang for our buck.

Unfortunately, most of us only notice these things after we finish renovating our kitchens (guilty!).

That said, here are some super clever kitchen storage solutions that you may want to consider if you plan on renovating your kitchen or buying a new home altogether.

Clever kitchen storage ideas #1

Clever kitchen storage - spice drawerSpice drawer

I have to admit, I am somewhat of a slacker when it comes to my spices – they are in myriad shaped bottles and even bags.

But if I had a storage space like this one, you could bet that I would be thrilled to organize my spices in the same-sized bottles, and would even place them in alphabetical order. Go me!

Clever kitchen storage ideas #2

Clever kitchen storage - Microwave shelterMicrowave shelter
Nowadays, many microwaves are quite easy on the eyes, but older models, which are not as attractive, tend to have longevity and work quite well. So if you haven’t discarded your old microwave for a new, stainless steel variety, perhaps you might want to mask it behind a cabinet that pulls down and doubles as a rest for plates and glasses.

Clever kitchen storage ideas #3

Clever kitchen storage - upright utensil drawerUtensil fix’ems

I have to admit that my utensil drawer tends to look a little chaotic as there never seems to be enough space for all the shapes of forks and spoons that I have.

This super clever kitchen storage solution, however, has utensils standing erect rather than laying flat, which I think is a phenomenal idea and allows for more space to place the 150 pieces that most of us own.

Clever kitchen storage ideas #4

Clever kitchen storage - Paper towel holderPaper towel roll

My paper towel is on a beautiful stainless steel piece, but no matter where I place it in the kitchen, it looks a bit like an eyesore. So when I laid my eye upon this, I thought, holy wow! This is the best idea.

But now that I have had a moment to think about it, it’s possible that my kids might waste a lot of my money by unrolling it on a daily basis. Not to mention people leaning on it and such. Maybe it would work best in a different, raised location.

Clever kitchen storage ideas #5

Clever kitchen storage - corner drawersCornered drawers

This is one of those items that make you wonder why you never thought of it before. The corner drawers maximize storage and make for great fodder when friends come to visit. I strongly recommend that everyone go this route as opposed to a lazy Susan. Why? Because I am just a freak that way.

Any other clever kitchen storage ideas?

Have you come across other clever kitchen storage ideas that you’d like to share? Let us know in the comments below.

And if you’re shopping around for the perfect home with clever kitchen storage solutions, visit ComFree.com today!

The 7 Deadly Sins of Homebuyers

Seven deadly sins of homebuyersBuying a home can be quite unnerving considering you are about to spend a significant amount of money.

But if you can avoid the seven deadly sins of homebuyers, then there is no doubt that you will come out ahead and without any trepidation regarding your purchase.

Deadly sins of homebuyers #1

Not pre-qualifying for a mortgage
Home hunting is likely the part that is the most fun when it comes to finding your home, but without pre-qualifying for a mortgage, how will you know how much you can afford?

Before you even begin to look at homes, you need to head over to a lender or a mortgage broker and figure out exactly how much home you can afford. The last thing you need is to find the perfect home and discover that it is way out of your budget.

Deadly sins of homebuyers #2

Not considering the real costs of home ownership
The cost of a home does not begin and end with a mortgage; there are property taxes, minor repairs and renovations, interior design, homeowners association fees (for condos) and insurance to consider.

So before you decide to jump into this head first, make sure that you understand all the costs of owning a home.

Deadly sins of homebuyers #3

Believing that there is only one home for you
I was one of those people who fell into the trap of believing that there was only one home out there for me and I wouldn’t stop my hunt until I found it. Guess what? I wasn’t able to find that home.

Buying a home tends to be a process of deduction. Find out what it is that you don’t like about a home, list the things that are absolute “must-haves,” and the “nice to haves.”

7 deadly sins of homebuyersOpen yourself up to the possibilities and visit plenty of homes on the market in order to figure out the things you hadn’t thought of the first time around. Remember that this is a dwelling that you live in for years, so you need to make it count.

Deadly sins of homebuyers #4

Not doing your research
The minute you find a home that you love and want to buy, you need to start thinking about the surrounding area. Are there schools nearby? What are the neighbours like? How will traffic be going to and from work every day?

Before you commit to a home, make sure you can commit to its surroundings and take the time to figure out if it’s right for you.

Deadly sins of homebuyers #5

Not getting a home inspection
While some might think that home inspections are a waste of money, or just want to forgo this step and save a few bucks, in the long run, this could really cost you.

A qualified home inspector can go through the entire home, including the outside and create report that brings to light any and all issues with the home. I recommend that you find a home inspector through word of mouth from friends or family, and ask for their credentials before you hire them.

Deadly sins of homebuyers #6

Not considering the future
Sure, right now you’re living the single life and a condo with a bedroom and an office is a great choice. But when you begin dating someone, then get married and start a family, will this be the ideal living situation?

Consider what your life might be like in five years from now and really consider where you want to be, and with whom.

Deadly sins of homebuyers #7

Buying mortgage life insurance
Mortgage life insurance covers the remaining amount of your mortgage should you pass away, whereas term life insurance provides your family with a specific amount of money that they can use towards the home in whatever capacity they need.

If you have the choice between mortgage life insurance or term life insurance, I strongly recommend that you go with the latter.

Any other deadly sins of homebuyers?

Buying a home is a smart move, as it’s a tangible asset, but you need to ensure that you have all your ground covered before you commit to a purchase.

If you are ready to make a home purchase and have all your ground covered, visit ComFree.com today and find the home of your dreams.

Modern Built-in Fireplaces For Your Home

Modern built-in fireplaces

Fireplaces with wood mantels are no longer the norm; instead nowadays most homes boast contemporary or modern built-in fireplaces that are eye-catching and enhance the decor of a home.

Modern built-in fireplaces don’t have to cost an arm and a leg either; nowadays there are modern built-in fireplaces to fit every budget.

Turn an existing fireplace into a modern one

If you already have a fireplace but want to give it a more contemporary feel, you don’t have to bust down the walls to do so. It’s usually easier to work with what you have rather than build anew.

Modern built-in fireplaces for the home

All you have to do is remove the mantel and replace the ceramics with stone or even just make it flat and paint around it. If what surrounds the fireplace is brick, sometimes just painting the brick is the quickest and easiest fix.

Brick and fireplace refurbishing kits facilitate redoing a brick or stone fireplace while allowing you to preserve the brick-and-mortar look. Although this is a touch pricier, it may well be worth it.

Modern built-in fireplaces for the home

Beautiful modern built-in fireplaces for your home

For those who do not have a fireplace, the possibilities for a modern built-in fireplaces are truly endless. From smooth tiles and concrete to wood fascias, there are modern built-in fireplaces to please every palate.

The chracteristics of modern built-in fireplaces include a minimalistic mantel or perhaps no mantel at all and rest along a smooth wall. As well, most modern bilt-in fireplaces tend to be placed higher up on the wall rather than along the ground like most traditional fireplaces.

For those who have contemporary tastes that tend to hover more outside the box, there are fireplaces that sit in the middle of the room, fireplaces that are suspended from the ceiling, and even free-standing fireplaces units.

Free-standing fireplaces vent out the roof like the traditional fireplace, but instead of a chimney they often boast a smaller shaft.

Modern built-in fireplace fuel

No matter if you’re remodeling or installing a brand spanking new fireplace, you need to consider the fuel for your fire.

Stunning modern built-in fireplaces

Because of pollutants, most modern built-in fireplaces have abandoned wood-burning models in favour of wood pellets, gas and fuel. These types of fireplaces tend to be less harmful to the environment and are much easier to use than wood.

And while you may consider yourself quite handy when it comes to DIY projects at home, I strongly recommend that you leave the installation or new inserts (converting from wood burning to wood pellet burning, for instance) to a trained professional.

Modern built-in fireplaces abound

Modern built-in fireplaces that wow

How do you feel about modern built-in fireplaces? Do you love them or do you prefer a more traditional look? Let us know in the comments below.

And if you’re looking for the perfect new home complete with a modern built-in fireplace, visit ComFree.com today.

How to Use Plants in Home Decor

How to use plants in home decor

The process of turning your home from just another brick building on the block to a truly welcoming home can be an arduous one.

There is an innumerable amount of things to consider and it’s easy to let things get overcomplicated. So today we’re going to take the “complicated” out of the equation by learning how to use plants in home decor.

Plants have been used for hundreds of years and for good reason – they work! Their beautiful colors add a sense of life and vibrancy to any location and make them perfect for creating a welcoming, inviting home.

Here are some of the most important things to consider when using plants in home decor.

How to use plants in home decor: rule #1

Stick to the style
Style is the number one consideration when decorating with plants. You may have found the most gorgeous greenery you’ve ever laid eyes on, but if it clashes with your home’s décor, it’s going to do more harm than good.

For example, if your home has a very modern design, look for plants with solid colors and clean, straight lines. For someone with a ranch style home, some cacti or other prickly plants would be a good choice. Remember, you want your plants to enhance your home’s existing look, not stick out like a sore thumb.

How to use plants in home decor: rule #2

Get the right planters
If you plan to use plants around your home, there’s a good chance you’ll be placing them in some planters. And just like the plant should match your home’s decor, the planter should too.

How to use plants in home decor

Think stainless steel boxes for ultra-contemporary settings and classic Roman vases for more traditional homes. And don’t just let your planter be the place where your plant lives – let it work with the layout of your home.

Good examples include lining a front walkway, using them at each corner of a patio, or using them to frame something, like two small trees on the front porch of your home framing the front door.

How to use plants in home decor: rule #3

Use plants inside and out
Remember to use your plants both inside and outside the home. Don’t limit yourself to specific areas – every part of the home can benefit from a little plant life.

Take the master bathroom, for example. It may just be a bathroom now, but add a philodendron or two around the bathtub and it’ll start to look more like a spa.

If your patio’s looking a little bare, clear out a corner and add a water feature with some native plants and flowers in small decorative planters around it. It’ll make a feast for both the eyes and the ears!

How to use plants in home decor: rule #4

Place plants appropriately
Finally, remember to place your plants appropriately, both for aesthetics and plant health. For aesthetics, if something doesn’t seem to mesh, don’t do it just for the sake of being different. You may consider it unique, but your guests may consider it a total dud.

On the health side, be sure your outdoor plants are safe in bad weather and your indoors plants are placed so they can get plenty of sunlight, if applicable. The last thing you want is a hail storm to ruin your patio arrangement or your begonias to start growing sideways because they’re not getting enough light.

Using plants in home decor has never been easier

Plants have been one of the most popular ways to decorate ever since… well, ever! And it’s still that way today. Vibrant, green plants bring a sense of life and happiness to the home, creating a welcoming environment for all who enter. In the end, isn’t that what we’re all striving for? Happy planting!

How To Negotiate with Homebuyers

How to negotiate with homebuyers

You’ve decided to sell your home and are already having success, as homebuyers are already coming to you to negotiate on the price.

You are nervous, however; you can barely haggle with sellers at flea markets, let alone with homebuyers who are ready to offer you hundreds of thousands of dollars for your home.

Being wary of how to negotiate with homebuyers is fine, but rule number one, according to Speed Stick, is “never let them see you sweat.”

Selling your home is like selling anything else and when it comes to negotiating with homebuyers, the same rules apply.

How to negotiate with homebuyers: rule #1

Understand the buyer
When you are showing your home, feel free to ask the homebuyer questions like, “Why did you decide to look at homes in this area?” and “When are you thinking of moving into a new home?”

These types of questions might lead to extra information. If the homebuyer admits that they love the area and have always wanted to live here, or that it’s close by work or family, this gives you some inkling that the homebuyer really, really wants your home.

If they admit that they need to move ASAP because their lease is up in two months or that they are expecting a child and want to move into a home and settle before its arrival, this also indicates that time is of the essence.

How to negotiate with homebuyers: rule #2

Have a Comparative Market Analysis
If a homebuyer wants some wiggle room, the expectation is that you will bend, at least a little bit. If you are armed with a Comparative Market Analysis, however, one that stipulates how much the homes in your area are being listed and sold for, then this allows you to better explain why you settled on your selling price.

How to negotiate with homebuyers: rule #3

Keep your options open
Even if you are in talk with someone who is interested in buying the home, sometimes even the best laid plans tend not to work out. Keep showing your home to other homebuyers who are interested, but be honest about your current situation if you have a buyer.

How to negotiate with homebuyers: rule #4

Negotiate face-to-face
Negotiations over the phone do not have the same appeal as they do face-to-face. This allows you to read the person’s body language and discuss issues at length, and has a friendlier feel, whereas telephone or email communication oftentimes leads to miscommunication.

How to negotiate with homebuyers: rule #5

Don’t get caught up
At the end of the day, your objective is to sell your home, not one-up the homebuyer. Come to an agreement that makes the both of you happy and close the sale.

Keep the negotiations focused on the sale, not your ego. Refusing to come down by a couple of thousand dollars and losing the sale sometimes isn’t worth it.

Other tips on how to negotiate with homebuyers?

Do you have any other advice for home sellers who are getting ready to negotiate the sale of their home? Please let us know in the comments below.

And if you are ready to sell your home, visit ComFree.com, where the customer service team will help you through every step in the home selling process.

7 Bedroom Design Mistakes to Avoid

Bedroom design mistakes to avoid

Your bedroom is one of the most important places in your life. It is where you sleep, chill out and even have some wild fun.

After surveying 26 people, however, it has become quite evident that many people make bedroom design mistakes that they regret pretty quickly.

Here, now, are bedroom design mistakes to avoid if you want to rest comfortably and peacefully in your home.

Bedroom design mistakes to avoid #1

A lack of privacy
A few people I know (not naming names) thought it would be a great idea to have design their master bedroom with a (gasp) open bathroom. While this might be great for a bachelor or bachelorette lifestyle (and even then, to be honest), this does not lend itself well to a relationship.

So if you want to maintain a healthy relationship and keep your partner turned on for a lifetime, you might want to rethink an open concept bedroom and bathroom.

Bedroom design mistakes to avoid #2

Using the wrong colors
Sure, deep, dark reds are in style this year, but will you still love the wine-coloured dresser in two years from now? Unless you are made of money and can switch things up on a year-to-year basis, you might want to consider going with a décor that lends itself to neutrality and a certain serenity.

If you want to add some pizzazz to the room, do it with the accessories like table lamps and wall decals.Bedroom design mistakes to avoid

Bedroom design mistakes to avoid #3

Weird furniture placement
There is something very welcoming about symmetry, especially when it comes to furniture. Overloading one side of the room with furniture and leaving the other side bare is no way to live.

Make sure that your furniture is placed all around the room in a way that creates balance and serenity (there’s that word again… thanks Frank Costanza).

Bedroom design mistakes to avoid #4

Bad lighting
I think spotlights are great, really I do, but they don’t usually lend themselves to great bedroom lighting, and quite honestly, they magnify cellulite among other flaws, which is never a good thing.

One great lighting fixture with a dimmer is always fantastic, as well as two table lamps. Also, if you’re building your home from the ground up, make sure you place a light switch next to the bed so that you don’t have to get up to close the light once you’ve gotten all comfy.

Bedroom design mistakes to avoid #5

Basic window treatments
Window treatments are to windows what the right pair of shoes is to an outfit – it can make or break a room. Blackout drapes are always much appreciated for those who don’t want to see the sunrise at 5 am.

As well, adding some flowing white curtains to the mix adds a sense of romance to the room that will not go out of style.

Master bedroom design mistakes to avoid

Bedroom design mistakes to avoid #6

Not enough storage
Storage space is essential to a bedroom because your belongings need somewhere to hang out when you’re not wearing them. Also, you don’t want to start using the chair as a makeshift hanger.

Make sure that your walk-in closet contains drawers as well as areas to hang clothes. Use the dressers for things like underwear and clothes for lounging. It is always better to have more space than you need than vice versa.

Bedroom design mistakes to avoid #7

Too many electronics
It’s one thing to have a television because, well, you need it to fall asleep after all those nights you spent in front of it watching Conan during college. But adding a DVD player, a stereo system and loudspeakers makes it seem more like a home theater room, and I’m guessing that that isn’t the look you’re going for.

Limit your electronics down to the essentials and make sure to keep the cables tucked away.Ideal master bedroom design

Other bedroom design mistakes to avoid?

It is difficult to design the perfect bedroom because what usually happens is that, once you think you found the perfect thing for your bedroom and buy it, you end up spotting something else that you like even more.

It is possible, however, to build yourself a bedroom that you look forward to going to every night and that sets just the right mood, no matter what mood you happen to be in. Good night.

6 Home Office Essentials

Home office essentials for your home

Whether you’ve decided to start working from home or you simply want to create an office for off-hours work-time, a home office adds prestige and a touch of professionalism to a home; so long as you have the home office essentials.

The main elements for a home office may vary for different people, but overall, the following is required if you have any plans to get some work done.

Home office essentials #1

Privacy
While wide open spaces and open-concept homes are all the rage, a home office that sits in the middle of an open room will not allow you to get any real work done, especially if family members are home.

A private space, preferably a closed off room, is ideal and makes a home office feel like a real office, but without that cubicle sensation.

Make your home office beautiful

Home office essentials #2

Equipment layout
What makes up a major home office essential? It all depends on what your objectives are. Most home offices, however, contain the following:

- A laptop
- Two screens
- 3-in-1 printer, fax, scanner
- Telephone
- Desk
- Chair

But the equipment probably isn’t as important as the layout, as it is imperative that the ergonomics create a sense of smooth movement from one place to another rather than making you feel like you have to constantly stand and move around to get what you want.

Home office essentials #3

Good lighting
Lighting is an important part of a home office so make sure that yours is adequate. Natural light is always recommended during the day, so a home office with a window is ideal.

If that is not possible, then make sure to add lighting to your home office that mimics natural light rather than opt for neon or halogen lights. As well, a lamp also works well when you need a little extra light to get a good look at certain documents.

Home office essentials for you

Home office essentials #4

Adequate Storage
Storage is your friend, and storage in a home office is absolutely essential. Make sure that you plan for adequate storage compartments and file desks to help you stay organized and ready to rock.

Ensure that your storage area is at arm’s length so that you don’t have to get up from your desk to file something away.

Home office essentials #5

Lock box
While this may not be an element, per se, I strongly recommend that you find yourself a good lock box that is small enough to grab in an emergency. In it you should store the necessities: a few hundred dollars, birth certificates, passports, insurance documents, etc.

If there is ever an emergency situation and you are only able to grab one thing, the lock box is it.

Home office essentials #6

Magnetic paint
Magnetic paint can transform any wall into a cork board without the cork. First you paint your wall with the magnetic paint, then you can paint over with whatever colour you like.

It is super strong and can hold magnets easily. Use it to post important papers on the wall or just impress your friends, if that’s your thing. It costs well under $40 so it is well worth the price.

Other home office essentials?

Please feel free to add any other elements of a home office that you think are crucial to having a professional space that helps one put on their business hat and get to work in the comments below.

If you’re looking for a new home with an extra room you can transform into an office, visit ComFree.com today and check out the homes for sale.

Down Payments on Homes to Increase in 2012

The Canadian government is currently considering new measures to tighten access to property purchases and give a real estate market that shows no signs of slowing down a reality check of sorts. An increase on home down payments seems imminent.

Down payments on homes to increase in 2012

See more of this beautiful BC home at ComFree.com

The minimum down payment on homes could increase from 5% to 7.5% while the maximum amortization period would be reduced to 25 years.

This would mean that one would need at least $18,000 in down payment to buy a home valued at $250,000. These measures, however, aim to reduce the risk of over exceeding what the market can handle in this current economic climate. In doing so, Ottawa can take the market down a notch without having to raise interest rates.

“We watch the housing market carefully, and we are prepared to intervene if necessary,” said Jim Flaherty, Canada’s finance minister. He went on to add that there has been some “softening” in the country’s housing market.

Costs of homes rising

The average selling price of a Canadian home in November 2011 was $360,396, a 4.6% increase from November 2010. And, according to CIBC economist Avery Shenfield, Canadian home prices are currently overvalued by as much as 15%, which is nothing to sneeze at.

Overall, however, many economists believe that Canada’s real estate market will stabilize in 2012, especially due to slowing job growth, waning consumer confidence and tighter mortgage rules.

Do you anticipate purchasing a home?

Do you intended to buy a home this year? Will the increase on home down payments affect you at all? Let us know.

And if you plan on buying a home this year and you have the cash to forge ahead with the purchase, visit ComFree.com today and check out all the homes available and for sale without commission.

4 Gadgets That Make Your Home Smarter

When it comes to technology, things are changing rapidly, and nowadays we can ensure that we set the alarm and turned off all the lights in the home right from our smartphones thanks to gadgets that make our home smarter.

Gadgets that make your home smarter

And if we didn’t follow through or forgot to do something, we can even set the alarm remotely. Don’t believe it? It’s already happening and these are just four gadgets that make your home smarter.

Gadgets that make your home smarter #1

Self-adjusting thermostat

Gadgets that make your home smarter - Nest

Touted as the only thermostat that improves with time, Nest is a thermostat that programs itself in a week’s time so that you never have to readjust the temperature in your home again.

Built to keep the home at a comfortable temperature and save energy, Nest is the latest in technology and starts at $249, although I must warn you, the product is constantly out of stock.

Find it here: Nest.com

Gadgets that make your home smarter #2

Smart ThinQ Appliances

Gadgets that make your home smarter - SmartThinq

Part of LG’s new Home Energy Management System (HeMS), the appliacnes that are part of the system include washing machines, ovens and robotic vacuum cleaners. The most impressive of all the features, however, is the refrigerator, which has an LCD that tells you what food is in the refrigerator, where it’s located and when it expires, and it’s all accessible right from your smart phone.

Imagine how great this will be when planning your weekly menu or grocery shopping! Looking forward to this one. The fridge also comes equipped with The Blast Chiller, a compartment for drinks that can cool a 12-ounce can of beer or soda in less than five minutes.

The front-load washing machine called The Styler, contains steam cycles that reduce wrinkles and unpleasant odours by offering you the ability to use a selection of aromas.

The vacuum cleaner uses smart navigation to allow for faster cleaning with more prescision. Standing at 3.5 inches and with a noise level of only 50dB, now you can hang out with the family while the vacuum cleaner does its thing.

Find them here: LGNewsroom.com

Gadgets that make your home smarter #3

Twine

Gadgets that make your home smarter - Twine

For all of you who get nervous about hooking up anything that has to do with computers, Twine is the simplest possible way to get all the objects in your life texting, tweeting or emailing.

Instead wiring or networking code, you can instead focus on your idea. Twine is a durable 2.5″ square that provides WiFi connectivity, internal and external sensors, and two AAA batteries that can keep it running for months. All you need is a web app (Spool), which allows you to set up your Twine. That’s it! No programming needed.

Twine can send you an email if you’re on vacation and your basement is flooding, or a text when your laundry is finished. Twine will even email you when it’s time to change the battery.

You can pre-order on Supermechanical and it only costs $99, but you won’t receive it for months.

Find it here: Kickstarter.com

Gadgets that make your home smarter #4

Remote controllable light dimmer

Smart gadgets for the home, the OutletLinc Dimmer

The days of light dimmers are over; OutletLinc Dimmer offers a built-in dimmer that can be controlled remotely for anywhere using devices like remote controls, wall keyopads or even your smartphone.

With advanced features like an adjustable rate that slowly turns the lamp on, dim level presets that can store up to 32 brightness levels, this is truly an evolution in lighting. You can even time the lights to go on and off and receive email alerts when devices are activated.

Find it here: Smarthome.com

Other gadgets that make your home smarter?

Know of any other gadgets that make your home smarter? Feel free to let us know in the comments below.

6 Marketing Mistakes Home Sellers Should Avoid

While it is true that price, condition and location are the three big reasons why homes sell fast, there are also other marketing mistakes home sellers should avoid if they want to sell their homes in a timely manner.

Marketing mistakes home sellers should avoid

Learning how to effectively market your home is right up there with the right pricing. After all, if no one sees your home, or at least sees it in the right light, who will bother coming by for an actual visit?

That said, here are some marketing mistakes home sellers should avoid when selling their home. Don’t let it happen to you.

Marketing mistakes home sellers should avoid #1

Bad photographs
Since the pictures are the first peek homebuyers get at your home, showing your home off in bad pictures is not the way to go.

If your pictures are too dark or crooked, include people or pets, or contain clutter, chance are homebuyers will skip past your home and move on to the next one.

The point of the photos is to entice homebuyers to want to see more, so make sure your pictures are high-quality.

Marketing mistakes home sellers should avoid #2

Omitting important details
The address and the number of bedrooms and baths is not information for a homebuyer to go on; you need to explain to the homebuyer why your home is better than the other ones on the market.

Focus on what makes your home unique and what prompted you to buy the home when you did. Your objective is to sell your home so make sure to sell it with words as well.

Marketing mistakes home sellers should avoid #3

Not including an incentive
While there are some pretty strange homebuyer incentives circulating out there, it is true that everyone wants to feel like they are getting a good deal.

A smart incentive that you could offer to homebuyers includes credit toward the closing costs, pre-paid homeowner association fees (for condos), or even a weekend at a spa hotel.

And the incentive doesn’t even need to cost you anything if your home price is designed to account for the discount.

Marketing mistakes home sellers should avoid #4

Not using print or free advertising
You want everyone and their brother to know that you have listed your home for sale, and with free web listing services like Kijiji, there is no reason why you shouldn’t take advantage of covering even more ground with your home for sale.

As well, take up an ad in the Sunday classifieds in your local newspaper or a neighbourhood monthly. Showcase your home in an as many ways as possible to get the highest amount of marketing coverage.

Marketing mistakes home sellers should avoid #5

Not holding open houses
Open houses give you the most bang for your buck, as you get a constant influx of homebuyers and you can use the tours to further promote your home and use the time to provide details about your home that they did not get from your listing.

Marketing mistakes home sellers should avoid #6

Not providing printouts of your home
Whether it is custom brochures or printed flyers of your home, give potential homebuyers something to remember your home by so that when it comes time for them to make their decision, your home is ever present in their decision-making process.

Any more marketing mistake home sellers should avoid?

If you think there are other ways that home sellers should market their homes, please let us know in the comments below.

And if you are ready to begin marketing your home, check out ComFree.com, where we offer you a turnkey marketing service to sell your home.